A dog attack can cause serious physical and psychological injuries. If you, or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries. Learn how Stephen Browne Personal Injury Lawyers have the expertise and experience to help you with a dog bite claim for injury compensation.
Have you been bitten by a dog?
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, more than 9500 Australians were hospitalised for dog-related injuries in 2021-2022. This was an increase from nearly 4000 dog-related hospitalisation injuries in 2013-2014.
Under Western Australian law, dog owners are liable for another person’s injuries caused by their dog’s attack:
What is a dog attack?
A dog attack under Western Australian law includes when a dog:
- Aggressively rushes at or harasses you
- Bites you or otherwise causes physical injury
- Tears your clothes or causes other damage to your property
- Attempts to attack you or causes you to reasonably fear physical injury
Types of injuries eligible for dog bite compensation
Dog bite compensation claims in Western Australia will depend on the specific circumstances of the attack, including your own behaviour.
Your dog bite injuries may include one or more of:
- Physical injuries such as wounds, cuts, fractures, nerve damage or muscle damage
- Scarring, disfigurement or residual numbness
- Psychological injuries such as emotional distress or loss of enjoyment of life
What you can claim dog bite compensation for
The physical or psychological injuries caused by a serious dog attack could lead to a claim for damages, including:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Past and future assistance in your home
- Past and future loss of income
- Pain and suffering
- Travel expenses
Who your dog bite claim is filed against
Your dog attack may have happened on private premises or in a public place, such as a park or while walking on a footpath. A person, business or organisation may be found to be liable or found to have contributed to your injuries caused by a dog attack.
Your claim for dog bite compensation can be filed against:
- The dog’s owner
- The owner of the premises where the dog attack occurred
Public Liability insurance covers businesses, organisations and occupants of most premises for potential personal injuries that may occur on those premises.
Each dog bite claim is different. Our goal at Stephen Browne Personal Injury Lawyers is to understand your circumstances and file your claim to achieve the best possible compensation outcome for you.
What to consider before filing a dog bite compensation claim
Personal injury law is a complex field. To build a strong case for dog bite compensation, your personal injury lawyer will efficiently gather the evidence needed, such as:
- Finding details of the dog’s owner
- Details of where the dog attack occurred
- Any communication between you and the dog’s owner
- Statements of any witnesses to your accident
- Medical records for your injuries
- Details of treatment and medical expenses incurred
- Photographs or film vision of the dog attack site and your injuries
- Loss of income evidence such as employment records and pay slips
Trusted Lawyers for dog bite claims in Western Australia
Contact the team at Stephen Browne Personal Injury Lawyers today for an obligation-free consultation with our team to discuss the details of your existing dog bite claim.
We work on a No Win No Fee* basis to ensure you don’t miss out on your entitlement to injury compensation.
